Lighthouse cyclists double their money

Airport staff who set out to cycle from Eilean Glas lighthouse to the Butt of Lewis on Saturday (September 8th) believe they may double the money they hoped to raise for cancer charities.

A convoy of vehicles carrying 15 cyclists, their kit, cycles and support staff left Stornoway airport at 6.30am on Saturday, headed for an epic 135k trip to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Care and Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI).

Once they reached Scalpay there was a three-mile walk to make sure the challenge really did start at Eilean Glas lighthouse, but it soon became obvious that there was a good reason for a quick getaway. Challenge team leader Donald Macmillan said: “The midges were horrendous in Scalpay, so we were glad to get on the bikes and get under way!”

In glorious sunshine the team completed the whole trip, including refreshment and photo-stops, almost without a hitch. Donald said: “The weather was fantastic and the day could not have gone any better for us. The only issue we had was when team member Scott Davidson cramped up badly.

"Alastair Glover from Bespoke Bicycles came with us to help with any breakdowns on the bikes, but it was Scott he managed to fix for us – his help was fantastic throughout the day!”

The team of airport firefighters, security staff and air traffic controllers gained massive sponsorship support on paper forms held at the airport and at various Stornoway shops. Once all these have come in, it looks as if the two charities will benefit from a bumper donation. Donald said: “We have gone over our goal of £1,500 on the JustGiving page and received a lot in donations along the way on the cycle. It looks like we will more than double our target. We are all delighted and it has made all the pain worthwhile.”

Having reached the Butt of Lewis at 6.40pm, it was time for more pictures, celebrations and then a well-deserved ride home for all the cyclists – on four wheels, instead of two.

Donald concluded: “It was great coming towards the Butt of Lewis lighthouse to the support of family and friends cheering us on the finish line. We would like to thank everyone who helped us and donated towards our challenge. We hope to continue training and come up with another event for next year.”

Pictures show the lighthouse2lighthouse challenge team at Eilean Glas lighthouse, over halfway at Callanish and at the Butt of Lewis – and a roadside repair for Scott Davidson from Alastair Glover.